How to find that that great babysitter!

Finding a new sitter can be overwhelming. You want someone the kids like but also someone you trust who will keep your most important little people safe. Don’t feel like you have to settle for the friend of the girl who lives next door – unless she is absolutely amazing!

Ask friends you trust who share your values

It’s that easy. Who do you use? How did you find them? How long has she worked for you? Do the kids respond to her? And don’t be afraid to ask those difficult questions: has she ever disappointed you? In what ways does she fall short? How has she handled an emergency?

Find an agency

These are great and they do background checks. An online service like sittercity.com can do all the legwork for you including providing references and wage expectations.

Interview everyone over the phone

Don’t invite a total stranger to your house without asking a few questions first. You want to know about experience, fees, first aid and safety training. Ask for references at the beginning of the process. Decide before you make the call not to make a decision for a few days. She might sound great, but don’t feel rushed.

Check references

There is a bit of fact checking here as well as personal impressions. How did they meet? How did she handle emergencies? Was she reliable?

Now it’s time to meet

Narrow your choices down to 2-3. Make an appointment for them to visit. See how she interacts with the kids. Does she share your priorities? Can you communicate clearly with each other?

Arrange a short baby-sit

Maybe an hour – just long enough to get feedback from the kids and check your comfort level. If it goes well, you found your girl! Relax and get out of the house with confidence!